How to Check Your Blood Pressure

A: Get an accurate blood pressure (BP) reading with these tips (talk to your doctor about your BP goal first):

Check your BP about one hour after you get up in the morning, before taking your meds. If it’s high, check it again an hour after you take your meds. Avoid anything that might raise your BP before you check it (such as caffeine, smoking, exercise and meds that raise BP, such as nasal decongestant sprays). Urinate first, as a full bladder also can raise BP. Sit in a comfortable chair, with good back and arm support, and relax for one minute before measuring your BP. After positioning the cuff, rest your arm on a table, bent at the elbow so your upper arm is at heart level. Avoid moving or talking during the reading.

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